- Department of Psychology
Biography
Kiera is a graduate student in the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program under the mentorship of Dr. April Highlander. She earned her B.A. in Psychology and English from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Prior to matriculating at the University of Rhode Island, Kiera worked as a research assistant in the Sexual Assault and Sexual Health Lab and as a clinical research assistant at the Center for Brain, Biology, and Behavior at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Research
Kiera’s research focuses on stress and adversity among children and families, particularly those from low socioeconomic backgrounds and families experiencing homelessness. She is interested in the psychosocial mechanisms underlying symptom development and presentation, as well as how socioecological factors (e.g., parenting practices and parental trauma histories) contribute to early childhood psychosocial development and family well-being.